Hey Kids! Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Christmas time is family time and there are lots of great adventures waiting your little ones over the holidays.  This weekend, December 6, is the annaul Rogers Santa Claus Parade.  This is always a fun way to kick off the holiday season. There will be over 60 marching bands, dance troupes, festive floats and other entertainers.  The Parade starts at 1 pm in downtown Vancouver.  604-646-3581

Before the parade you might enjoy attending the Canada Place Breakfast with Santa.  All proceeds go to Strathcona’s Food Security for Children Program.  See Canada Place website for info and ticket purchase. 604-775-7200

And perhaps later,you might enjoy taking in the VSO Kids’ Koncerts  at the Orpheum, Seymour at Smithe 604-876-3434.  Al Simmons Festive Frivolityshow is a non-stop holiday romp of gags, jokes, fun and audience interaction.  Starts a 2 pm.

There’s lots more going on for the younger set starting on December 5 with an Advent Event for Children  this special occasion for family and friends will include singing songs and stories, games and crafts that help celebrate the Advent season.  From 10 am to 1 pm at the St. Andrew’s Wesley Church, 1022 Nelson at Burrard, 604-683-4574

On December 6 there’s a carol sing at First Baptist Church, 969 Burrard at Nelson, with lively, energetic songs, a visit from Frosty and a real baby in the manger!  604-683-8441

December 11 the VSO Tiny Tots- Holiday Hooray has music from the Nutcracker and sing along to frosty favorites at the Vancouver Playhouse,Hamilton at Dunsmuire 604-876-3434

But there’s a lot more fun in store.  Up to January 3,2010 there are special holiday events at the Vancouver Aquarium with a Scuba Claus taking his annual dip in the Strait of Georgia exhibit (December weekends and Dec. 19-23).  Or watch The Polar Expressfilm on 4-D, or sing along with local music duo Bobs and Lol, Dec. 19-23; 27 – 30)

Also in Stanley Park, visit Bright Nights (to January 2, closed Christmas Day) 3 pm to 10.00 pm.  Ride the Stanley Park miniature train through a winter wonderland of magic and illumination that winds through the forest.  Kids can also visit Santa in his “living room” at the train station.  Admission to the plaza is free, but tickets are required to ride the train and visit the farmyard. ($8 adults; $5 children and seniors)

It’s fun to visit Burnaby Village Museumtoo, for a real Victorian Christmas (to January 3, closed Dec 24, 25)  Experience a traditional Christmas in this heritage village (circ 1925).  Kids can meet Father Christmas, tour the historical buildings, enjoy crafts, story time, Christmas baking, carolers and Twelve Days of Christmas scavanger hunt.  My favorite thing to do there is to ride the carousel!  Burnaby Village Museum

PHOTOS by Ruth Kozak